Sequential Thinking Workflow
Use Scenarios
- Complex Design Decisions: Architecture selection, tech stack decisions
- Multi-step Problem Solving: Bug root cause analysis, performance optimization strategy
- Uncertain Requirements: Requirements interpretation, approach exploration
- Trade-off Analysis: Comparing pros and cons of multiple options
- Refactoring Planning: Code improvement strategy
Thinking Process
1. Problem Decomposition (estimate total_thoughts)
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2. Step-by-step Thinking (analyze with each thought)
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3. Verification/Revision (is_revision: true)
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4. Hypothesis Formation and Verification
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5. Final Answer (next_thought_needed: false)
Checklist
Before Starting:
- [ ] Is the problem truly complex? (Answer simple questions directly)
- [ ] Would step-by-step thinking help?
- [ ] Estimate initial total_thoughts (5-15)
During Process:
- [ ] Does each thought have a clear purpose?
- [ ] Is it logically connected to previous thoughts?
- [ ] When stuck: use revises_thought to reconsider
- [ ] When exploring alternatives: use branch_from_thought
- [ ] If more needed: needs_more_thoughts: true
At Completion:
- [ ] Has a satisfactory answer been reached?
- [ ] Has the hypothesis been sufficiently verified?
- [ ] Set next_thought_needed: false
Effective Usage Tips
- Add thoughts as needed, don't be constrained by initial estimates
- Express uncertainty honestly when things aren't clear
- Reconsider previous decisions using revises_thought
- Use branching for alternative exploration (branch_from_thought, branch_id)
- Ignore information irrelevant to the current step
What to Avoid
- Using excessive thinking for simple questions
- Prematurely ending the thinking process
- Lack of logical connection to previous thoughts
- Pretending certainty when uncertain
Integration with Serena MCP
For complex code work:
- Sequential Thinking: Analyze requirements and establish approach strategy
- Serena MCP: Explore code structure and current state
- Sequential Thinking: Analyze exploration results and design modifications
- Serena MCP: Perform actual code modifications